SWINTON Lions will have new signing Paul Southern in their ranks when they start pre-season training on Thursday.

The former Salford player, who played his amateur rugby at Folly Lane, follows Ian Watson from National League One side Oldham.

Coach Paul Kidd said: "Paul has plenty of Super League experience with Salford and has had a couple of great seasons with Rochdale and Oldham. He started the game at a young age so brings a great deal of experience and confidence to the club and hopefully he will be able to drive our pack forwards."

Supporters' player of the year, full-back Wayne English, has also signed a new deal that will keep him at the club for another season, but Kidd isn't sure whether Kris Smith will turn up for the start of training.

Smith has been offered an improved deal to stay but is being linked with Halifax and Oldham.

Kidd added: "Wayne is a very popular player at the club and his performances inevitably attract interest from bigger clubs.

"For that reason we are delighted he has committed himself to us for at least another season.

"As for Kris, the deal is on the table and it's up to him. I have no idea whether we will see him on the first day of training."

The Lions will face Salford Reds in a pre-season friendly at the Willows on January 2.